Business Details
12 Years
experience
Certified Public Accountants in Pittsburgh | Goff Backa Alfera
Goff Backa Alfera is a full-service Pittsburgh CPA firm established in 2014, offering public accounting and consulting services to clients locally, nationally, and internationally. Our firm ranks among the top in the nation by professional peer review standards, with memberships in the AICPA, Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center, Center for Public Company Audit Firms, and Governmental Audit Quality Center. We specialize in ERISA audits, HUD compliance, nonprofit financial services, and business consulting, combining technical expertise with personalized service. Our team includes certified professionals with advanced training in defined contribution plans, tax law, and nonprofit accounting.We prioritize client relationships through integrated planning for closely held businesses, advocacy in tax matters, and proactive compliance support. Our commitment extends to employee development through career training and community involvement, focusing on improving local quality of life and economic growth. We maintain rigorous quality controls through peer reviews and continuous education, ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory standards. Our mission is to deliver high-value technical expertise while maintaining personalized service, as evidenced by our long-standing client relationships and industry recognition.
Services
Tax and Compliance
ERISA Audit Services
Nonprofit Financial Services
Business Consulting
Controllership Services
Peer Review Services
HUD Audit Services
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- 15+ years performing 6+ ERISA plan audits annually with peer-reviewed quality.
- Specialized HUD audit expertise with 20+ years of industry experience.
- Team holds advanced certifications including ABV, CVA, and Defined Contribution Plans Audit credentials.
- Ranked top-tier nationally through rigorous peer review standards.
- Integrated tax planning for closely held businesses with advocacy representation.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
- Center for Public Company Audit Firms (CPCAF)
- Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC)
What people say
Professional and knowledgeable
Completed on time
Highest quality services
Timely and accurate help
Highly recommended
Services
Tax and Compliance
Our tax specialists provide custom research, planning, and preparation for individuals and businesses. We minimize taxation through strategic structuring, handle mergers and acquisitions, and offer international tax consulting. Our team advocates for clients before tax authorities while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations.
ERISA Audit Services
We perform audits for defined contribution, benefit, 403(b), and ESOP plans with 15+ years of experience. Our AICPA-certified team undergoes rigorous peer reviews and holds advanced credentials in defined contribution plan audits, ensuring compliance with DOL and IRS standards.
Nonprofit Financial Services
Specialized audit and compliance services for nonprofits, including grant reporting, tax exemption compliance, and SEC/HUD audit preparation. We address complex financial requirements while streamlining processes to maintain organizational efficiency and regulatory adherence.
Business Consulting
We offer business valuation, succession planning, and merger/acquisition support for closely held companies. Our consultants provide integrated planning solutions, corporate finance strategies, and operational analysis tailored to family businesses and industry-specific needs.
HUD Audit Services
Our HUD specialists handle compliance audits, electronic submissions, and REAC coordination for housing agencies. With 20+ years of experience, we ensure adherence to federal grant requirements while providing tax planning and regulatory representation for low-income housing providers.
People
Richard J. Alfera
Managing Partner
Managing partner with expertise in tax planning for closely held businesses. Former Big Four accountant and Rockwell International tax manager. Holds MST and CPA, teaching national tax seminars. Active in local chambers and nonprofit boards.
Jennifer A. Varley
Partner
30+ years of audit experience specializing in nonprofit financial services. Oversees GBACO's nonprofit practice, providing tax compliance and audit services. Serves on PICPA Peer Review Committee and Pittsburgh Young Professionals board.
Matthew B. Sarver
Partner
ERISA audit specialist with Advanced Defined Contribution Plans Certification. Manages HUD audits and quality control. Magna Cum Laude graduate of Robert Morris University with 15+ years in audit and accounting services.
James R. Baird III
Partner
CPA/ABV and CVA-certified valuation expert. Serves real estate, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. Former president of Pittsburgh Chapter NACVA. Teaches business valuation methodologies and provides litigation support services.
Sharon A. Bruno
Director of Administration
West View Water Authority representative with 9+ years working with GBACO. Coordinates audit processes, ensures timely completion of financial reporting, and serves as liaison for accounting staff and executive office communications.
Questions
What ERISA plan audit experience does GBACO have?
GBACO has 15+ years performing 6+ ERISA audits annually, including defined contribution, benefit, 403(b), and ESOP plans, with team members holding advanced AICPA certifications.
Do you specialize in nonprofit financial reporting?
Yes, we handle grant compliance, tax exemption requirements, and SEC/HUD audits for nonprofits, streamlining financial processes while maintaining regulatory adherence.
How do you support closely held businesses?
We provide integrated planning for family businesses, including succession planning, merger/acquisition support, and tax structuring with advocacy representation before authorities.
What HUD audit services do you offer?
Our HUD specialists handle compliance audits, electronic submissions, REAC coordination, and tax planning for housing agencies with 20+ years of industry experience.
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